South Korean President Lee Myung-bak and Canada's Governor General David Lloyd
Johnston exchanged celebratory messages Monday to mark the 50th anniversary of
diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Lee said in the
message that the two countries have seen marked progress in their ties since the
1963 opening of diplomatic relations and expressed his hope for closer
cooperation in the future, the presidential office said in a
statement.
Johnston said in his message that the two countries have
strengthened relations based on a close friendship forged through Canada's
participation in the 1950-53 Korean War, and hoped that they will continue to
develop mutually beneficial ties, the office said.
The governor
general serves as Canada's ceremonial head of state on behalf of the
Queen.
Trade volume between South Korea and Canada amounted to US$11.5
billion in 2011.